U.S. patent number 6,447,543 [Application Number 09/625,596] was granted by the patent office on 2002-09-10 for basket-like container for implanting bone tissue.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sulzer Orthopedics Ltd.. Invention is credited to Thomas Bollinger, Armin Studer.
United States Patent |
6,447,543 |
Studer , et al. |
September 10, 2002 |
Basket-like container for implanting bone tissue
Abstract
The basket-like container (1) contains a reception volume for
bone tissue. After the filling in of the bone tissue the container
is implanted. The reception volume is located within a wall (2)
which is arranged about an axis (10). This peripheral wall consists
of a grid, a fabric or a mesh. Transversely to the axis the wall
enables an X-ray optical seeing through of the unfilled reception
volume. The surface component, which is permeable by X-rays,
amounts to at least 30%.
Inventors: |
Studer; Armin (Steinhausen,
CH), Bollinger; Thomas (Urdorf, CH) |
Assignee: |
Sulzer Orthopedics Ltd. (Baar,
CH)
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Family
ID: |
8243052 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/625,596 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2000 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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Sep 28, 1999 [EP] |
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99810873 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/17.11;
623/17.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
2/2846 (20130101); A61F 2/4455 (20130101); A61F
2002/30327 (20130101); A61F 2230/0063 (20130101); A61F
2002/302 (20130101); A61F 2002/30593 (20130101); A61F
2002/30914 (20130101); A61F 2220/0025 (20130101); A61F
2002/30892 (20130101); A61F 2/44 (20130101); A61F
2250/0039 (20130101); A61F 2310/00023 (20130101); A61F
2002/30235 (20130101); A61F 2230/0034 (20130101); A61F
2/442 (20130101); A61F 2002/30841 (20130101); A61F
2002/3023 (20130101); A61F 2002/3028 (20130101); A61F
2220/0058 (20130101); A61F 2230/0019 (20130101); A61F
2002/30451 (20130101); A61F 2002/30187 (20130101); A61F
2002/30237 (20130101); A61F 2002/30261 (20130101); A61F
2002/30143 (20130101); A61F 2002/2835 (20130101); A61F
2230/0069 (20130101); A61F 2002/30329 (20130101); A61F
2002/30975 (20130101); A61F 2230/0017 (20130101); A61F
2002/30062 (20130101); A61F 2002/30115 (20130101); A61F
2002/30153 (20130101); A61F 2210/0004 (20130101); A61F
2230/0065 (20130101); A61F 2002/30772 (20130101); A61F
2230/0082 (20130101); A61F 2002/448 (20130101); A61F
2230/0006 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
2/44 (20060101); A61F 2/28 (20060101); A61F
2/00 (20060101); A61F 2/02 (20060101); A61F
2/30 (20060101); A61F 002/44 () |
Field of
Search: |
;623/17.11,17.12,17.16,23.53,23.54 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0268115 |
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May 1988 |
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EP |
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2726994 |
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May 1996 |
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FR |
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WO 94/18913 |
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Sep 1994 |
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WO |
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WO 97/23175 |
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Jul 1997 |
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WO |
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WO 98/26725 |
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Jun 1998 |
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WO |
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WO 99/32055 |
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Jul 1999 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: McDermott; Corrine
Assistant Examiner: Phan; Hieu
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hynes; William Micheal Townsend and
Townsend and Crew, LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A basket-like container for the reception of bone tissue and for
subsequent implantation to a body comprising: a wall (2), arranged
about an axis (10), consisting of a wire grid; the wall (2) built
up of wires (21, 22) in first and second arrays crossed at binding
points (20); the wires (21) of the first array being oriented
largely parallel to the axis (10); the wires (22) of the second
array being directed transversely to the wires of the first array;
the resultant wire grid providing a reception volume with a
sufficient support function to enable dense packing of bone tissue
pressed into the reception volume defined by the container; and,
the grid enabling an x-ray optical seeing through of at least 30%
of an unfilled reception volume transversely to the axis (10) of
the container.
2. The basket-like container for the/reception of bone tissue and
for subsequent implantation to the body according to claim 1 and
wherein: the wires (21) of the first array have a larger diameter
than the wires (22) of the second array whereby the wires of the
first array can withstand a predetermined force in the direction of
the axis (10) of the container.
3. The basket-like container for the reception of bone tissue and
for subsequent implantation to the body according to claim 1 and
wherein: the wall (2) is seamless.
4. The basket-like container for the reception of bone tissue and
for subsequent implantation to the body according to claim 1 and
wherein: the wall (2) has a reception volume with a base (6)
transverse to the axis (10) of the basket-like container.
5. The basket-like container for the reception of bone tissue and
for subsequent implantation to the body according to claim 1 and
wherein: a reinforcement wall (24, 24') is disposed within the
reception body for reinforcement of the wall (2).
6. The basket-like container for the reception of bone tissue and
for subsequent implantation to the body according to claim 1 and
wherein: the wires (21, 22) include titanium.
7. The basket-like container for the reception of bone tissue and
for subsequent implantation to the body according to claim 1 and
including: a ring (3, 3a, 3b) at least at an edge of the wall (2),
the ring extending transversely to the axis (10); and, anchoring
tips (4) arranged on the rings for fastening to the wall (2).
8. A method of using a basket-like container for the reception of
bone tissue and for subsequent implantation to the body comprising
the steps of providing providing at least one basket-like container
including, a wall (2), arranged about an axis (10), consisting of a
wire grid; the wall (2) built up of wires (21, 22) in first and
second arrays crossed at binding points (20); the wires (21) of the
first array being oriented largely parallel to the axis (10); the
wires (22) of the second array being directed transversely to the
wires of the first array; the resultant wire grid providing a
reception volume with a sufficient support function to enable dense
packing of bone tissue pressed into the reception volume defined by
the container; and, the grid enabling an x-ray optical seeing
through of at least 30% of an unfilled reception volume
transversely to the axis (10) of the container, filling the
basket-like container with bone tissue; implanting the basket-like
container between vertebrae of the spinal column to produce a
stiffening and distance maintaining connection between vertebrae;
and, monitoring the unfilled reception volume by x-ray optical
seeing through of the container.
9. The method of using a basket-like container for the reception of
bone tissue and for subsequent implantation to the body according
to claim 8 and wherein the implanting step includes: removing
tissue from the spinal column to define an insertion interval in
the spinal column; and, placing the basket-like container into the
insertion interval.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a basket-like container for implanting
bone tissue.
It is known to perform surgical interventions at spinal columns in
order to replace defective intervertebral discs by implants.
Adjacent vertebrae are stiffly connected with implants of this
kind, which form the distance maintaining elements between
vertebrae. It is also known to remove bone tissue from a patient in
order to implant the former at a different location for
reconstruction purposes, where this tissue grows together to a
stiff body thanks to its regenerative force. In spinal columns it
is advantageous when the named distance maintaining elements are at
least partly produced with bone tissue, with it being possible for
its regenerative forces to be of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to create an implant by means of
which bone tissue of a patient can be implanted in or between bones
of the patient. In addition a diagnosis method must be realizable
by means of which a progress of a bone tissue formation can be
checked. This object is satisfied by a basket-like container for
the reception of bone tissue designed for subsequent implantation
to the body. The basket-like container defines a reception volume
for bone tissue which is located within a wall which is arranged
about an axis. This peripheral wall consists of a grid, which is a
fabric or a mesh. The grid is selected to enable an X-ray optical
seeing through of the unfilled reception volume transversely to the
axis which amounts to at least 30%.
The basket-like container contains a reception volume for bone
tissue. After a filling in of the bone tissue the container is
implanted.
The reception volume is located within a wall which is arranged
about an axis. This peripheral wall consists of a grid, a fabric or
a mesh. Transversely to the axis the wall enables an X-ray optical
seeing through of the unfilled reception volume. The surface
component, which is permeable by X-rays, amounts to at least
30%.
Various constructions are disclosed for the container. In a first
embodiment, the wall is built up of wires, which are crossed at
binding points, with the wires of a first array being oriented
largely parallel to the axis of the container. The remaining wires
form a second array, being directed transversely to the first
array. All the wires together provide a support function so that
dense packing of bone tissue can occur into the reception volume.
It is disclosed that the wires parallel to the axis can have a
larger diameter than remaining wires. Furthermore, the wall of the
container can be arranged to be seamless. The container can be
provided with a base, which is transverse to the axis.
The central portion of the container can include a reinforcement
wall connecting the peripheral wall in a reinforcing manner.
Preferred construction of the grid includes titanium. Absorbable
material can be incorporated to the wall. Furthermore the wall can
be bounded by a ring. This ring can be placed at an edge, which
extends transversely to the axis. Anchoring tips can be preferably
arranged on the ring.
A method of use of the container is disclosed. The container can be
used for surgical intervention at spinal columns. An intervertebral
disc can be substituted by at least one container--and preferably
two containers. The container(s) produce a stiffening and distance
maintaining connection between vertebrae of the spinal columns.
Further, the container can be anchored to removed bone tissue by
substituting at least part of the bone tissue filled container to
the spatial interval from which bone tissue has been removed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a container in accordance
with the invention,
FIG. 2 shows two vertebrae of a spinal column with containers in
accordance with the invention arranged between them,
FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of the container in accordance with
the invention,
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a container
wall,
FIGS. 5a, 5b are corresponding cross-sections of two-chambered
containers,
FIG. 6 is a further embodiment of the container in accordance with
the invention,
FIG. 7 is a cross-section through a seamless container wall,
FIG. 8 is an oblique view for illustrating the construction of the
seamless container wall and
FIG. 9 is a side view of a container wall with the construction in
accordance with FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A container 1 in accordance with the invention, as is illustrated
in perspective in FIG. 1, is implanted as a stiffening and distance
maintaining element between vertebrae in a surgical intervention
which is performed on the spinal column of a patient. Prior to the
implantation the basket-like container 1 is filled with bone tissue
which had been taken from the patient at a different location. The
reception volume for the bone tissue is located within a wall 2
which is arranged about an axis 10. This peripheral wall 2--in the
form of a grid, fabric or mesh is for example built up of wires 21,
22 which are crossed at binding points 20. The wires 21 of a first
array are oriented to be parallel to the axis; the remaining wires
22, which form a second array, are oriented to be transverse to the
first array. Relatively large openings 23 are provided between the
wires 21, 22. They enable an X-ray optical seeing through of the
unfilled reception volume transversely to the axis 10 which amounts
to at least 30% in accordance with the invention. The compound of
all wires 21, 22 is intended to provide a sufficient support
function so that--in order to be able to produce a dense
packing--the bone tissue can be pressed in into the reception
volume.
The X-ray optical seeing through enables the regenerative progress
of the tissue which is contained in the container 1 to be monitored
in check-up examinations after an implantation.
The wall 2 is bounded by rings 3a and 3b at an edge which extends
transversely to the axis 10. Tips 4 are arranged on these rings
which enable an anchoring in the vertebrae to be treated during the
implantation. The upper ring 3a contains an opening 30, through
which the bone tissue can be filled in into the reception volume.
The lower ring 3b can also have a corresponding opening. The
container 1 however advantageously has at the lower ring 3b a base,
which can be formed of the same wire structure as the wall 2.
FIG. 2 shows a first lumbar vertebra 11 of a spinal column which is
connected via two containers 1 in accordance with the invention to
a second lumbar vertebra 12. Bone tissue can be removed at the
vertebrae 11 and 12 in order to form depressions 13 for the
containers 1.
The rings 3a and 3b, which are arranged parallel to one another in
the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 1, can also be designed as
is illustrated in FIG. 3, namely in such a manner that the outer
sides of the rings 3a and 3b which are transverse to the axis 10
lie on planes 31a and 31b which enclose an angle 6. Containers 1 in
accordance with FIG. 3 can be used in surgical treatments of
lordosis in the region of the lumbar vertebral column.
The wall 2 can--see FIG. 4--be simply produced from a flat wire
mesh in that this mesh is formed to a cylinder and an overlapping
strip is welded to form a seam 25. In the embodiment of FIG. 5a a
flat wire mesh is formed in such a manner that two chambers and two
seams 25 are formed. An inner wall 24 acts as a reinforcement of
the peripheral wall 2. Another two-chambered embodiment is
illustrated in FIG. 5b. Here two tube pieces 2' and 2" are fitted
together along a planar wall 24'.
The containers 1 in accordance with the invention can also be
offered as longer tubes, the walls 2 of which are formed in such a
manner that they can be cut to a required length. In this the rings
3a and 3b and the wall 2 are provided as separate parts which can
be fitted together after the cutting to length of the wall 2.
In the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 4, 5a and 5b the walls 2
are produced from flat mesh pieces. It is however also possible to
form the wall 2 as a spatial interlacing. An example is illustrated
in FIG. 6 as the left half of a longitudinal section through the
container 1. Vertical wires 21 connect in an arcuate manner an
upwardly lying entrance ring 3 to a disc 5 which is arranged at the
base 6 of the container 1 and thereby form a wall 2 which widens
downwardly to a part of the base 6. Wires 22 are woven in
transversely to the wires 21. The wires 22 can be closed rings with
different diameters; but they can also form a connected piece,
however, which is woven in helically between the wires 21.
Anchoring tips 4 are attached at the entrance ring 3 and at the
base disc 5. The openings 23 are formed to be so large that the
X-ray optical seeing through in accordance with the invention
transversely to the axis 10 is possible.
The container 1 of FIG. 6 has a seamless wall 2. A further example
of a seamless wall 2 is shown in FIG. 7. The wires 22' which are
woven in between seventeen (uneven number) vertical wires 21 form
double rings, as is illustrated in FIG. 8 for an embodiment with
only seven vertical wires 21. In order that such a seamless
embodiment is possible, the number of vertical wires 21 must be
uneven. With reference to the side view in FIG. 9 with two double
rings 22' it is illustrated that the openings 23 in the wall 2 can
be formed to have different sizes.
The wires 21 of the first array have a larger diameter than the
other wires 22 in order that they--in a compounding with the wires
of the second array--can withstand a larger force in the direction
of the axis 10. Suitable metals, in particular titanium, or
suitable alloys can be used as the material for all implants. A
portion of the walls 2, which is for example formed by some of the
wires 22, can also be non metallic and for example consist of
absorbable material.
The cross-section of the container 1 in accordance with the
invention need not necessarily be circular. The wall 2 can for
example have the shape of a square or a hexagon.
In addition to the treatment of spinal columns the container in
accordance with the invention--if suitably shaped--can be used for
a surgical intervention at the bone in order to substitute for
tissue which had to be removed for example as a result of a
cancerous tumor.
* * * * *